AC Milan have completed the permanent signing of defender Cristian Zapata from Villarreal for an undisclosed fee.

Zapata has impressed during his loan spell at Milan

The Colombia international, 26, moved to San Siro on a season-long loan last summer and his performances for the Rossoneri - who finished third in Serie A - have earned him a three-year contract in northern Italy.

A statement published on the club's official website read: "AC Milan wishes to communicate they have made the signing of Cristian Zapata from Villarreal permanent. The defender's contract will run to June 30, 2016."

Zapata, who previously spent five years in Italy with Udinese, has made 28 appearances in all competitions for Milan.